CBS News: Stabenow Defeats Hoekstra In Michigan Senate Race

LANSING (WWJ) – As Michigan election workers scrambled to tabulate results after a heavy turnout, both the Associated Press and CBS News has projected voters have re-elected incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow.

She delivered her acceptance speech at MGM Grand in Detroit.

“We have been through so much and we know it, but a lot of hard work and a lot of sacrifice has allowed us to say, ‘We’re coming back! Michigan is coming back,'” she said, to cheers from the crowd.

Stabenow had healthy leads in all polls for many months and it appears that she will win by a wide margin.This is her third term in the Michigan Senate.

Stabenow issued the following statement after news outlets declared her the winner:

“I am deeply honored and so grateful to Michigan voters for giving me the opportunity to once again be your voice and to stand up for Michigan as your United States Senator.

“For me, it’s all about Michigan families. I was born and raised here, my family all lives here, and Michigan will always be my home. We live in an incredible state, and there is no greater privilege than to represent Michigan in the U.S. Senate.”

“Now, I’m ready to get back to work bringing together Republicans and Democrats to get things done. To have a middle class, to create jobs here, we need to do what we do best – make things and grow things.

“I want to thank my outstanding staff and the thousands of volunteers in every part of our state who worked tirelessly for what they believe in. And I want to send my best wishes to my opponent, Pete Hoekstra, and his family.”

Challenger Pete Hoekstra raised less than half as much as Stabenow –$3.5 million.

State Democratic Chairman Mark Brewer said Hoekstra is out of touch with Michigan voters on several crucial issues including those surrounding the auto industry bailout and funding for Planned Parenthood.

The Republican candidate drew some heat last winter over a TV ad featuring an Asian woman, in mock broken English, thanking Debbie “Spend-it-now” for her help in driving up what is presumably the Chinese economy.